Apparatus for securing a building structure

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of building construction. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method systemfor securing at least a portion of a truss structure of a building to afoundation wall of the building.

BACKGROUND

The art and science of building construction is influenced by manyfactors including the need for comfort, shelter, insulation, aesthetictastes, and durability. All of these factors, to some extent, arefunctions of the forces of nature including climate and weatherpatterns. One significant weather phenomenon that plays a determinativerole in the effectiveness of a particular building structure is wind.

Strong winds may be found in a variety of climate zones including theharsh arctic regions where freezing winds blow, tropical regions wherehurricanes (a.k.a., cyclones or monsoons), and any climatic zone thathas the potential to spawn natures most concentrated storms, tornados.In short, strong winds have the potential to wreak havoc on buildingstructures almost anywhere in the world.

A common problem with certain buildings in high wind zones occurs whenair is forced under roof overhangs or other similar surfaces on abuilding, creating pressure along underside surfaces of such roofoverhangs. If the pressure increases past a certain point, such pressurecreates a lifting force to tear roofs and part or all of any associatedjoist systems off of such buildings. Such events often trigger thecomplete collapse of such buildings. The relative ease at which suchdestructive events occur is often due to weak construction connectionsbetween the truss system of such buildings—particularly the rooftrusses—and the foundations of such buildings.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved building structure capable ofreinforcing the connection between a foundation of a building and thevarious joist members in the building.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction. The apparatus includes afoundation and a plurality of anchors attached to the foundation. Firstfloor joists are situated above the foundation and a first floorplatform is supported thereon. A first floor linkage beam, including afirst floor elongate linkage beam base and a first floor linkage beamparallel flange, is located on the first floor platform. A plurality offirst floor elongate connectors connect the anchors to the first floorlinkage beam. First floor studs are attached to the first floor linkagebeam parallel flange, thereby securing the foundation to the first floorstuds.

In a related embodiment, the apparatus described above includes asubfloor linkage beam, including an elongate subfloor linkage beam baseand a subfloor linkage beam parallel flange, located on the foundation.The subfloor linkage beam parallel flange extends downwardly and isattached to the foundation.

The apparatus described above also may include a first floor top plate,a first floor upper linkage beam, a plurality of second floor joists, asecond floor platform, a second floor lower linkage beam, and aplurality of second floor elongate connectors. The first floor top plateis located on the first floor studs. The first floor upper linkage beam,including an elongate first floor upper linkage beam base, a first floorupper linkage beam parallel flange, and a plurality of first floor upperlinkage beam perpendicular flanges, is located on the first floor topplate. The first floor upper linkage beam parallel flange is preferablyattached to the first floor studs. The plurality of second floor joistsare located on the first floor upper linkage beam and are preferablyreceived in and attached to the first floor upper linkage beamperpendicular flanges. The second floor platform is located on thesecond floor joists, and the second floor lower linkage beam is locatedon the second floor platform. The second floor elongate connectorsconnect the first floor upper linkage beam to the second floor lowerlinkage beam, thereby securing the wall structure together. The secondfloor lower linkage beam includes an elongate second floor lower linkagebeam base and a second floor lower linkage beam parallel flange. Thesecond floor lower linkage beam flange is preferably attached to aplurality of second floor studs.

In another embodiment, the apparatus described above includes a roof topplate on the first floor wall studs, a plurality of roof joists, and aroof linkage beam. The roof linkage beam includes an elongate rooflinkage beam base, a roof linkage beam parallel flange, and a pluralityof roof linkage beam perpendicular flanges for receiving the roofjoists. The roof linkage beam parallel flange is attached to the firstfloor wall studs described above. In an alternative embodiment, the rooflinkage beam parallel flange is attached to the second floor wall studsdescribed above.

A method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction isalso disclosed including the steps of laying a foundation, insertinganchors in the foundation, placing first floor joists on the foundation,placing a first floor platform on the first floor joists, placing afirst floor lower linkage beam onto the first floor platform, attachingthe anchors to the first floor lower linkage beam, and attaching aplurality of first floor wall studs to the first floor lower linkagebeam. The first floor linkage beam includes an elongate first floorlinkage beam base and a first floor lower linkage beam parallel flange.A related embodiment includes the steps of placing a roof top plate onthe first floor wall studs, placing a roof linkage beam on the roof topplate, and attaching roof joists to roof linkage beam perpendicularflanges on the roof linkage beam. Similar embodiments include additionalsteps for adding additional layers for structures with multiple levels.

Another embodiment disclosed herein includes an apparatus for securingportions of a wall system together. The apparatus includes an elongatebase plate with a first surface and a second surface. The apparatus alsoincludes an elongate parallel flange attached along the base plate in asubstantially parallel orientation to the base plate, extendingsubstantially normal to the first surface of the base plate. Theapparatus also includes a plurality of perpendicular flanges attached tothe second surface of the base plate in a substantially perpendicularorientation to the base plate, extending substantially normal to thesecond surface of the base plate. The perpendicular flanges are arrangedto receive one or more joists.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to thedetailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elementsare not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein likereference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views,and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor linkagebeam;

FIG. 2 depicts a side cutaway view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor lowerlinkage beam;

FIG. 3 depicts an elevation view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor lowerlinkage beam;

FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor lowerlinkage beam and a subfloor linkage beam;

FIG. 5 depicts a side cutaway view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor lowerlinkage beam and a subfloor linkage beam;

FIG. 6 depicts an elevation view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor lowerlinkage beam and a subfloor linkage beam;

FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor upperlinkage beam;

FIG. 8 depicts a side cutaway view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor upperlinkage beam;

FIG. 9 depicts an elevation view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor upperlinkage beam;

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor upperlinkage beam and a plurality of first floor upper linkage beamperpendicular flanges;

FIG. 11 depicts a side cutaway view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor upperlinkage beam and a plurality of first floor upper linkage beamperpendicular flanges;

FIG. 12 depicts an elevation view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a first floor upperlinkage beam and a plurality of first floor upper linkage beamperpendicular flanges;

FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a roof linkage beam;

FIG. 14 depicts a side cutaway view of an apparatus for securing a wallsystem together in a vertical direction, including a roof linkage beam;

FIG. 15A depicts an elevation view of a one level embodiment of anapparatus for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction,including a first floor lower linkage beam and a roof linkage beam;

FIG. 15B depicts an elevation view of a two level embodiment of anapparatus for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction,including a first floor lower linkage beam, a second floor lower linkagebeam, and a roof linkage beam;

FIG. 16A depicts selected embodiments of steps of a method for securinga wall system together in a vertical direction;

FIG. 16B depicts selected embodiments of steps of a method for securinga wall system together in a vertical direction;

FIG. 16C depicts selected embodiments of steps of a method for securinga wall system together in a vertical direction; and

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus for securing portionsof a wall system together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 depict a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for securing awall system together in a vertical direction as described herein. A wallsystem 2 is shown in FIG. 1 including a foundation 4, an anchor 6, floorjoists 8, first floor platform 10, first floor lower linkage beam 12,and a plurality of first floor wall studs 14. The foundation 4 includesa foundation base 16 and a foundation wall 18. The first floor linkagebeam 12 includes an elongate first floor lower linkage beam base 20 anda first floor lower linkage beam parallel flange 22 extending upwardlyfrom the first floor lower linkage beam base 20. The first-floorelongate connector 24, including a first floor elongate connector firstend 26 and a first floor elongate connector second end 28, connects theanchor 6 to the first floor lower linkage beam 12. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-3, a first floor sill 30 is located on the first floorlower linkage base 20; however, a first floor sill 30 is not required.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “joist” is meant toconnote any type of beam, including trusses, set substantially parallelfrom wall to wall or across or abutting girders to support a floor orceiling. Though only complex joist structures are shown in the figures(i.e., trusses), a viewer should understand these complex joists torepresent any type of joist including simple beams of any reasonableproportion known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the term“on” as used herein is meant to connote a physical relationship betweenat least two separate elements such that a first element “on” a secondelement is in direct contact with the first element or, alternatively,the second element is supported at a location substantially above thefirst element without direct contact between the first element and thesecond element. Also, the term “elongate connector” is meant to includeany elongate member known to those skilled in the art capable ofmaintaining an appropriate tension when used with the apparatusdescribed herein. Such elongate members may include high tensilestrength rods, cables, or other similar connecting structures.

The first floor elongate connector 24 is preferably threaded at thefirst floor elongate connector first end 26 and the first floor elongateconnector second end 28. The first floor elongate connector 24 may bethreaded along its entire length as shown in FIG. 3, or not threaded atall. The anchor 6 includes an exposed end 29 that remains exposed fromthe foundation 4 wherein the exposed end 29 is preferably threaded. Thefirst floor elongate connector first end 26 is preferably attached tothe exposed end 29 of the anchor 6 using a coupling device 32 such as aturnbuckle. However, any attachment means known to those skilled in theart for attaching two rods end to end should suffice. The couplingdevice 32 is preferably capable of tightening the relationship betweenthe anchor 6 and the first floor elongate connector first end 26,thereby increasing the tension along the first floor elongate connector24 between the anchor 6 and the first floor lower linkage beam 12. Thefirst floor elongate connector second end 28 is preferably attached tothe first floor lower linkage beam 12 by a first lower stud fastener 34such as a nut. However, other attachment means known to those skilled inthe art will suffice. For example, in one embodiment, the first floorelongate connector second end 28 may include an expanded head or asubstantially flat head like a nail, thereby allowing for the firstfloor elongate connector second end 28 to become tightened down abovethe first floor lower linkage beam base 20. The first floor elongateconnector 24 is preferably made from a high tensile strength materialsuch as stainless steel or galvanized steel. However, it should beunderstood that any high tensile strength material known to thoseskilled in the art would suffice.

In a preferred embodiment, the anchor 6 is shaped in the form of an “L”shape and is preferably made of a high tensile strength material such asstainless steel or galvanized steel. The first floor lower linkage beam12 is also preferably made of high tensile strength material such asstainless steel or galvanized steel. However, it should be understoodthat any high tensile strength material known to those skilled in theart would suffice for the anchor 6 and the first floor lower linkagebeam 12. The first floor lower linkage beam 12 preferably includes twofirst floor lower linkage beam parallel flanges (22A and 22B) as shownin FIGS. 1-3, wherein first floor lower linkage beam 12 resembles a “U”shape when viewed from one end. However, one first floor lower linkagebeam parallel flange will suffice, forming an “L” shape in oneembodiment when viewed from one end. However, more than two first floorlower linkage beam parallel flanges may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first floor wall studs 14 are preferablyattached to the first floor lower linkage parallel flange 22 by firstlower stud fasteners 36 such as stainless steel screws. However, anyfastener known to those skilled in the art such as nails, bolts, orheavy duty tacks would suffice. The fasteners 36 are preferably insertedat an angle substantially parallel to the first floor lower linkage beambase 22. Such angle may range from about 70 degrees to about 110degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, andstill more preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees relativeto the first floor lower linkage beam parallel flange 20.

FIGS. 4-6 show an alternative embodiment of the apparatus discussedabove including the addition of a subfloor linkage beam 38 supported bythe foundation wall 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the subfloor linkage beam 38includes an elongate subfloor linkage beam base 40 and two subfloorlinkage beam parallel flanges (42A and 42B) extending downward from thesubfloor linkage beam base 40. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6includes a base sill 44 located between the foundation wall 18 and thesubfloor linkage beam base 40. As with the first floor lower linkagebeam 12, the subfloor linkage beam 38 preferably includes two subfloorlinkage beam parallel flanges (42A and 42B) as shown in FIGS. 4-6,wherein the subfloor linkage beam 38 resembles an upside down “U” shapewhen viewed from one end. However, one subfloor linkage beam parallelflange will suffice, forming an upside down “L” shape in one embodimentwhen viewed from one end. In other embodiments, more than two subfloorlinkage beam parallel flanges may be used. The subfloor linkage beam 38is preferably made of high tensile strength material such as stainlesssteel or galvanized steel. However, it should be understood that anyhigh tensile strength material known to those skilled in the art wouldsuffice.

The subfloor linkage beam parallel flanges 42 are preferably attached tothe foundation 4 by foundation fasteners 45 such as stainless steelscrews. However, any fastener known to those skilled in the art such asnails, bolts, or heavy duty tacks would suffice. Foundation fasteners 45are preferably inserted at an angle substantially parallel to thesubfloor linkage beam base. Such angle may range from about 60 degreesto about 120 degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100degrees, and still more preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95degrees relative to the subfloor linkage parallel flange (42A or 42B).

In addition to the subfloor linkage beam parallel flanges (42A and 42B),the subfloor linkage beam 38 also includes a plurality of subfloorlinkage beam perpendicular flanges 46 extending upward from the topsurface 47 of the subfloor linkage beam, arranged to receive the firstfloor joists 8 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. The first floor wall studs14 are preferably attached to the subfloor linkage beam perpendicularflanges 46 by first joist fasteners 48, wherein the first joistfasteners 48 are preferably inserted at an angle substantially parallelto the subfloor linkage beam base. Such angle may range from about 60degrees to about 120 degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees toabout 100 degrees, and still more preferably from about 85 degrees toabout 95 degrees relative to the subfloor linkage perpendicular flange46.

Another related embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-8 includes a first floor topplate 50 supported on the first floor wall studs 14, a first floor upperlinkage beam 52, second floor joists 54, a second floor platform 56, asecond floor lower linkage beam 58, and a second floor elongateconnector 60. The first floor top plate 50 shown in FIGS. 7-8 is adouble top plate; however, a single top plate will suffice. The firstfloor upper linkage beam 52 includes an elongate first floor upperlinkage beam base 62, at least one first floor upper linkage beamparallel flange 64, and, preferably, a plurality of first floor upperlinkage beam perpendicular flanges 66 (shown in FIGS. 10-12). The secondfloor lower linkage beam 58 includes an elongate second floor lowerlinkage beam base 68 and an at least one second floor lower linkage beamparallel flange 70. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9 includes a secondfloor sill 72; however, use of a second floor sill 72 is not required.

The second floor elongate connector 60 is preferably threaded at asecond floor elongate connector first end 74 and a second floor elongateconnector second end 76. The second floor elongate connector 60 may bethreaded along its entire length as shown in FIG. 9, or not threaded atall. The second floor elongate connector first end 74 is attached to thefirst floor upper linkage beam 52 and the second floor elongateconnector second end is attached to the second floor lower linkage beam58, both preferably made by second floor rod fastening devices 78 suchas nuts. However, other attachment means known to those skilled in theart will suffice. For example, in one embodiment, the second floorelongate connector first end 74 (or second floor elongate connectorsecond end 76) may include an expanded head or a substantially flat headlike a nail, thereby allowing for the second floor elongate connectorfirst end 74 to become tightened to the first floor upper linkage beambase 62 (or, alternatively, to allow for the second floor elongateconnector second end 76 to become tightened to the second floor lowerlinkage beam base 68). The second floor elongate connector 60 ispreferably made from a high tensile strength material such as stainlesssteel of galvanized steel. However, it should be understood that anyhigh tensile strength material known to those skilled in the art wouldsuffice.

The first floor upper linkage beam 52 preferably includes two firstfloor upper linkage beam parallel flanges (64A and 64B) as shown inFIGS. 7-8, wherein the first floor upper linkage beam 52 resembles anupside down “U” shape when viewed from one end. Similarly, the secondfloor lower linkage beam 58 preferably includes two second floor lowerlinkage beam parallel flanges (70A and 70B) as shown in FIGS. 7-8,wherein the second floor lower linkage beam 58 also resembles a “U”shape when viewed from one end. However, one first floor upper linkagebeam parallel flange will suffice, forming an upside down “L” shape inone embodiment when viewed from one end of first floor upper linkagebeam 52. Similarly, one second floor lower linkage beam parallel flangewill suffice, forming an “L” shape in one embodiment when viewed fromone end of second floor lower linkage beam 58. In other embodiments,more than two first floor upper linkage beam parallel flanges 64 and/orsecond floor lower linkage beam parallel flanges 68 may be used. Thefirst floor upper linkage beam 52 is preferably made of high tensilestrength material such as stainless steel or galvanized steel. However,it should be understood that any high tensile strength material known tothose skilled in the art would suffice.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the first floor wall studs 14 are preferablyattached to the first floor upper linkage beam parallel flanges 64 byfirst upper stud fasteners 80 such as stainless steel screws. Similarly,the second floor wall studs 82 are preferably attached to second floorlower linkage beam parallel flanges 70 by second lower stud fasteners 84such as stainless steel screws. However, any fastener known to thoseskilled in the art such as nails, bolts, or heavy duty tacks wouldsuffice for either the first upper stud fasteners 80 or the second lowerstud fasteners 84. The first upper stud fasteners 80 are preferablyinserted at an angle substantially parallel to the first floor upperlinkage beam base 62. Such angle may range from about 70 degrees toabout 110 degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100degrees, and still more preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95degrees relative to the first floor upper linkage beam parallel flange64. Similarly, the second lower stud fasteners 84 are preferablyinserted at an angle substantially parallel to the second floor lowerlinkage beam base 68. Such angle may range from about 70 degrees toabout 110 degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100degrees, and still more preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95degrees relative to the second floor lower linkage beam parallel flange70.

In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-11, the first floor upperlinkage beam 52 includes the first floor upper linkage beamperpendicular flanges 66, arranged to receive second floor joists 54.The first floor upper linkage beam perpendicular flanges 66 arepreferably attached to second floor joists 54 by second joist fasteners86 such as stainless steel screws. However, any fastener known to thoseskilled in the art such as nails, bolts, or heavy duty tacks wouldsuffice. The second joist fasteners 86 are preferably inserted at anangle substantially parallel to the first floor upper linkage beam base62. Such angle may range from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees,more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, and stillmore preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees relative tothe first floor upper linkage beam perpendicular flanges 66.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment with additional elements such as a rooftop plate 88, roof joists 90, and a roof linkage beam 92. The rooflinkage beam 92 includes an elongate roof linkage beam base 94, at leastone roof linkage beam parallel flange 96, and, preferably, a pluralityof roof linkage beam perpendicular flanges 98. The roof top plate 88 maybe supported substantially on first floor wall studs 14 as shown in FIG.15A. Alternatively, roof top plate 88 may be supported substantially onthe second floor wall studs 82 as shown in FIG. 15B. The roof linkagebeam 92 is supported substantially on the roof top plate 88.

The roof linkage beam 92 preferably includes two roof linkage beamparallel flanges (96A and 96B) as shown in FIG. 13, wherein the rooflinkage beam 92 resembles an upside down “U” shape when viewed from oneend. However, one roof linkage beam parallel flange will suffice,forming an upside down “L” shape in one embodiment when viewed from oneend. In other embodiments, more than two roof linkage beam parallelflanges may be used. The roof linkage beam 92 is preferably made of hightensile strength material such as stainless steel or galvanized steel.However, it should be understood that any high tensile strength materialknown to those skilled in the art would suffice.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15B show an embodiment wherein the roof top plate 88includes a double plate. In this embodiment, the second floor wall studs82 are preferably attached to the roof linkage parallel flanges 96 bysecond upper stud fasteners 100 such as stainless steel screws. However,any fastener known to those skilled in the art such as nails, bolts, orheavy duty tacks would suffice. The second upper stud fasteners 100 arepreferably inserted at an angle substantially parallel to the rooflinkage beam base. Such angle may range from about 70 degrees to about110 degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees,and still more preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95 degreesrelative to the roof linkage beam parallel flanges 96. In an alternativeembodiment as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15A, the first floor wall studs14 are preferably attached to the roof linkage parallel flanges 96 bythe second upper stud fasteners 100.

The roof linkage beam 92 also preferably includes a plurality of rooflinkage beam perpendicular flanges 98 extending upward from the topsurface 102 of the roof linkage beam base 94, arranged to receive roofjoists 90 as shown in FIG. 12. The roof joists 90 are preferablyattached to the roof linkage beam perpendicular flanges 98 by roof joistfasteners 104, wherein the first joist fasteners are preferably insertedat an angle substantially parallel to the roof linkage beam base 94.Such angle may range from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, morepreferably from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, and still morepreferably from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees relative to theroof linkage beam perpendicular flanges 98.

A roof joist strap 106 may also be attached to a roof linkage beamperpendicular flange 98. In a preferred embodiment, the roof joist strap106 is attached to a first roof linkage beam perpendicular flange 98A,wrapped over an upper edge 108 of a roof joist 90, and then attached toa second roof linkage beam perpendicular flange 98B. The roof joiststrap 106 is also preferably attached to roof joist 90 near the upperedge 108 of the roof joist 90, whether wrapped over the upper edge 108of the roof joist 90 or not. The roof joist strap 106 is preferablyattached to the roof joist 90 and/or the roof linkage beam perpendicularflanges 98 by roof strap fasteners 110 such as stainless steel screws.However, any fastener known to those skilled in the art such as nails,bolts, or heavy duty tacks would suffice. Roof strap fasteners 110 arepreferably inserted at an angle substantially parallel to the rooflinkage beam base 94. Such angle may range from about 70 degrees toabout 110 degrees, more preferably from about 80 degrees to about 100degrees, and still more preferably from about 85 degrees to about 95degrees relative to the roof joist strap 106.

Various embodiments of a method are also disclosed herein for securing awall system together in a vertical direction as shown in FIG. 16A withadditional reference to FIGS. 1-6. The steps include (1) insertinganchors 6 into a foundation 4, (2) supporting first floor joists 8 onthe foundation 4, (3) supporting a first floor platform 10 on the firstfloor joists 8, (4) supporting a first floor lower linkage beam 12 onthe first floor platform 10, (5) attaching the anchors 6 to the firstfloor lower linkage beam 12, and (6) attaching a plurality of firstfloor studs 14 to the first floor lower linkage beam 12.

With reference again to FIG. 16B and FIGS. 6, 13, and 14, a relatedembodiment to steps (1) through (6) above includes the additional stepsof (7)(a) supporting a roof top plate 88 on the first floor wall studs14, (8)(a) supporting a roof linkage beam 92 on the roof top plate 88,and (9)(a) attaching the roof joists 90 to the roof linkage beam 92.

As shown in FIG. 16C and FIGS. 7-9, another embodiment of the methoddescribed above in steps (1) through (6) includes the additional stepsof (7)(b) supporting a first floor top plate 50 on the first floor wallstuds 14, (8)(b) supporting a first floor upper linkage beam 52 on thefirst floor top plate 50, (9)(b) supporting a plurality of second floorjoists 54 on the first floor top plate 50, (10)(b) supporting a secondfloor platform 56 on the second floor joists 54, (11)(b) supporting asecond floor lower linkage beam 58 on the second floor platform 56, and(12)(b) attaching the first floor upper linkage beam 52 to the secondfloor lower linkage beam 58.

Another embodiment related to steps (1) through (12)(b) above includesthe steps of (13)(b) supporting a roof top plate 88 on the second floorwall studs 82, (14)(b) supporting a roof linkage beam 92 on the roof topplate 88, and (15)(b) attaching the roof joists 90 to the roof linkagebeam 92.

As shown in FIG. 16B, yet another embodiment related to step (1) throughstep (9)(a) described above includes the additional steps of (10)(a)attaching a first end 112 of a roof strap 106 to the roof linkage beam92, and (11)(a) attaching the roof strap 106 to an upper edge 108 of atleast one of the roof joists 90. In an alternative embodiment related tostep (1) through step (15)(b) as shown in FIG. 16C, the additional stepsare numbered differently and include (16)(b) attaching a first end 112of a roof strap 106 to the roof linkage beam 92, and (17)(b) attachingthe roof strap 106 to an upper edge 108 of at least one of the roofjoists 90.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 16B show additional embodiments related to step (1)through step (11)(a) described above including the steps of (12)(a)wrapping the roof strap 106 over the upper edge 108 of at least one ofthe roof joists 90 and (13)(a) attaching a second end 114 of the roofstrap 106 to the roof linkage beam 92. In an alternative embodimentrelated to step (1) through step (17)(b) as shown in FIG. 16C, theadditional steps are numbered differently and include (18)(b) wrappingthe roof strap 106 over the upper edge 108 of at least one of the roofjoists 90 and (19)(b) attaching a second end 114 of the roof strap 106to the roof linkage beam 92.

As shown in FIG. 16B, an embodiment including certain combinations ofthe steps disclosed above further includes the steps of (10)(c)supporting a subfloor linkage beam 38 on the foundation 4 and (11)(c)attaching the subfloor linkage beam 38 to the foundation 4.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16C, the steps are numbered differentlyand include (16)(c) supporting a subfloor linkage beam 38 on thefoundation 4 and (17)(c) attaching the subfloor linkage beam 38 to thefoundation 4. Those skilled in the art appreciate that variousembodiments allow for step (10)(c) and step (11)(c) to occur in additionto or instead of step (10)(a) through step (13)(a). Similarly, step(16)(c) and step (17)(c) may occur in addition to or instead of step(16)(b) through step (19)(b). It should also be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the steps shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C donot necessarily occur in any given order so long as all of the steps inany given embodiment are used together.

As shown in FIG. 17, an apparatus 200 for securing portions of a wallsystem together is also disclosed herein. The apparatus 200 is similaror identical to certain elements described above including the firstfloor lower linkage beam 12, the first floor upper linkage beam 52, thesecond floor lower linkage beam 58, the roof linkage beam 92, and thesubfloor linkage beam 38. The apparatus 200 includes an elongate baseplate 202 having a first surface 204 and a second surface 206. Anelongate parallel flange 208 is attached to the base plate 202 in asubstantially parallel orientation to the base plate 202. In a preferredembodiment, the apparatus 200 includes a plurality of parallel flanges210. The elongate parallel flange 208 preferably extends in a directionsubstantially normal to the first surface 204 of the base plate 202. Theapparatus 200 also includes perpendicular flanges 210 attached to thesecond surface 206 of the base plate 202 perpendicular to theorientation of the base plate 202. The perpendicular flanges 210preferably extend in a direction substantially normal to the secondsurface 206 of the base plate 202. The perpendicular flanges 210 arearranged to easily receive one or more joists for systematicallyconstructing a structure. The spacing between sets of perpendicularflanges 210 varies and is based on customary building standards andmeasurements as well as local, state, and federal building codes.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more parallel flanges 208 includeparallel flange apertures 212 for inserting a fastening means to fastenthe apparatus 200 to studs and the like. Similarly, in a relatedpreferred embodiment, the perpendicular flanges 210 includeperpendicular flange apertures 214 for inserting a fastening means tofasten the apparatus 200 to joists and the like. The spacing betweenparallel flange apertures 208 as well as the spacing betweenperpendicular flange apertures 214 varies and is based on customarybuilding standards and measurements as well as local, state, and federalbuilding codes.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Theyare not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possiblein light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen anddescribed in an effort to provide the best illustrations of theprinciples of the invention and its practical application, and tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the inventionin various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variationsare within the scope of the invention as determined by the appendedclaims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they arefairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

1. An apparatus for securing a wall system together in a verticaldirection comprising: a. a foundation; b. a plurality of anchors securedto the foundation; c. a plurality of first floor joists supported on thefoundation; d. a first floor platform supported on the first floorjoists; e. a first floor lower linkage beam including i. an elongatefirst floor lower linkage beam base supported on the first floorplatform above at least some of the anchors, and ii. a first floor lowerlinkage beam parallel flange extending upwardly from the first floorlower linkage beam base; f. a plurality of first floor elongateconnectors attached to the anchors and the first floor lower linkagebeam; and g. a plurality of first floor wall studs attached to the firstfloor lower linkage beam parallel flange and extending upwardly from thefirst floor lower linkage beam base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a subfloor linkage beam including an elongatesubfloor linkage beam base supported on the foundation along at leastsome of the anchors, and a subfloor linkage beam flange extendingdownwardly from the subfloor linkage beam base, wherein the subfloorlinkage beam flange is attached to the foundation.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a. a first floor top plate supported on thefirst floor wall studs; b. a first floor upper linkage beam including anelongate first floor upper linkage beam base supported on the firstfloor top plate, and a first floor upper linkage beam parallel flangeextending downwardly from the first floor upper linkage beam base; c. aplurality of second floor joists supported on the first floor upperlinkage beam; d. a second floor platform supported on the second floorjoists; e. a second floor lower linkage beam including i. an elongatesecond floor lower linkage beam base supported on the second floorplatform, and ii. a second floor lower linkage beam parallel flangeextending upwardly from the second floor lower linkage beam base; and f.a plurality of second floor elongate connectors attached to the firstfloor upper linkage beam and the second floor lower linkage beam.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of second floorwall studs attached to the second floor lower linkage beam parallelflange and extending upwardly from the second floor lower linkage beambase.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a. a roof topplate supported on the N floor wall studs, wherein “N” is an ordinalnumber; b. a plurality of roof joists; and c. a roof linkage beam,wherein the roof joists are supported on the roof linkage beam, andwherein the roof linkage beam includes an elongate roof linkage beambase supported on the roof top plate, a roof linkage beam parallelflange extending downwardly from the roof linkage beam base, and aplurality of roof linkage d. beam perpendicular flanges extendingupwardly for receiving the roof joists.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5further comprising a joist strap attached to at least one of the rooflinkage beam perpendicular flanges and at least one of the roof joists.7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first floor lower linkage beamparallel flange is attached to at least one of the first floor wallstuds by fasteners inserted into the at least one of the first floorwall studs at an angle substantially parallel to the first floor lowerlinkage beam base.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the subfloorlinkage beam parallel flange is attached to the foundation by fastenersinserted into the foundation at an angle substantially parallel to thesubfloor linkage beam base.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thefirst floor upper linkage beam parallel flange is attached to at leastone of the first floor wall studs by fasteners inserted into the atleast one of the first floor wall studs at an angle substantiallyparallel to the first floor upper linkage beam base.
 10. The apparatusof claim 4 wherein the second floor lower linkage beam parallel flangeis attached to at least one of the second floor wall studs by fastenersinserted into the at least one of the second floor wall studs at anangle substantially parallel to the second floor lower linkage beambase.
 11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the roof linkage beamparallel flange is attached to at least one of the N floor wall studs byfasteners inserted into the at least one of the N floor wall studs at anangle substantially parallel to the roof linkage beam base.
 12. Anapparatus for securing a wall system together in a vertical directioncomprising: a. a foundation; b. a plurality of anchors secured to thefoundation; c. a plurality of first floor joists supported on thefoundation; d. a first floor platform supported on the first floorjoists; e. a first floor lower linkage beam including i. an elongatefirst floor lower linkage beam base supported on the first floorplatform above at least some of the anchors, and ii. a plurality offirst floor lower linkage beam parallel flanges extending upwardly fromthe first floor lower linkage beam base; f. a plurality of first floorelongate connectors attached to the anchors and the first floor lowerlinkage beam; and g. a plurality of first floor wall studs attached tothe first floor lower linkage beam parallel flanges and extendingupwardly from the first floor lower linkage beam base, wherein the firstfloor lower linkage beam parallel flanges are attached to at least oneof the first floor wall studs by fasteners inserted into the at leastone of the first floor wall studs substantially parallel to the firstfloor lower linkage beam base.
 13. The apparatus of claim 23, furthercomprising a subfloor linkage beam including an elongate subfloorlinkage beam base supported on the foundation along the anchors, and asubfloor linkage beam flange extending downwardly from the subfloorlinkage beam base, wherein the subfloor linkage beam flange is attachedto the foundation.
 14. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: a.a first floor top plate supported on the first floor wall studs; b. afirst floor upper linkage beam including an elongate first floor upperlinkage beam base supported on the first floor top plate, and a firstfloor upper linkage beam parallel flange extending downwardly from thefirst floor upper linkage beam base; c. a plurality of second floorjoists supported on the first floor upper linkage beam; d. a secondfloor platform supported on the second floor joists; e. a second floorlower linkage beam including i. an elongate second floor lower linkagebeam base supported on the second floor platform, and ii. a second floorlower linkage beam parallel flange extending upwardly from the secondfloor lower linkage beam base; and f. a plurality of second floorelongate connectors attached to the first floor upper linkage beam andthe second floor lower linkage beam.
 15. An apparatus for securingportions of a wall system together comprising: a. an elongate baseplate, including a first surface and a second surface; b. an elongateparallel flange attached along the base plate in a substantiallyparallel orientation to the base plate, extending substantially normalto the first surface of the base plate; and c. a plurality ofperpendicular flanges attached to the second surface of the base platein a substantially perpendicular orientation to the base plate,extending substantially normal to the second surface of the base plate,wherein the perpendicular flanges are arranged to receive one or morejoists.
 16. The apparatus of claim 35 further comprising a plurality ofparallel flanges attached parallel to the elongate base plate, extendingnormal to the first surface of the elongate base plate.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 34 wherein the parallel flange comprises a pluralityof apertures for attachment to a wall system.
 18. The apparatus of claim34 wherein the perpendicular flanges further comprise a plurality ofapertures for attachment to a wall system.
 19. The apparatus of claim 33wherein the elongate base plate, the parallel flange, and theperpendicular flanges are made of material comprising stainless steel.